THE BURNING (1981)

[Antonio]

THE BURNING (1981) Directed by Tony Maylam, from a screenplay co-written by future Miramax execs Bob and Harvey Weinstein. Based upon the real-life urban legend titled “The Summer Of Cropsy”, this “Friday The 13th”-style horror flick centers around the fire-disfigured caretaker of a summer camp who wreaks havoc among the counselors attempting to re-open the cursed campsite. Among those ripe for Cropsy’s extra-large hedge shears: Brian Matthews and Leah Ayres as the lead counselors; Brian Backer as the resident geek; and stars-of-tomorrow Jason Alexander (TV’s “Seinfeld”), Oscar-winner Holly Hunter (of “The Piano” fame) and Fisher Stevens (“Hackers”). All of the players are likable and realistic, and actually look young enough to portray teen campers. Although this underrated gem was released during the same year as popular supervillain Jason Voohrees made his first appearance in the first “Friday The 13th” sequel, it still ranks up there with the original “F13”, “Deliverance” and “Just Before Dawn” as one of the best horror films set in the great outdoors. This film also boasts great FX by the brilliant Tom Savini, and mucho gore and nudity for gorehounds and pervs. My grade: B+




[This message has been edited by Antonio (edited 09-27-2001).]

[unknownfreak31]

Can you buy the burning on dvd?

[Scully1888]

One word: RAFT.
And unknownfreak, I don't think you can buy it on DVD, which sucks fairly meaty chunks of ass.

[leatherface]

i bought this film about a year agoexpecting it to be really after hearing it had been baned...its an ok film, but as scary as...f13. i think u can get it on dvd...

[andy13]

Here in the UK u can get THE BURNING, on 18 rated DVD, with only a few cuts, I think.
But in a couple of months it will be avaliable on DVD TOTALLY UNCUT.

[unknownfreak31]

Leatherface where do you live @ cuz where I live most ppl haven't even heard on it.

[pizowell]

The ultimate slasher! The Burning kicks Friday's ass!

[ParileseMonster]

This movie is pretty cool but it sucks to know that half of Tom Savini's gore didnt make it into the movie! Instead you have this crap that anyone could have done! Leave the Masters work alone! I hate it when his gore gets cut and left on the floor for dumb ass people to walk all over!

[leatherface]

i live in england....the burning was banned in 84(or round then) then re-released 2000

[Jason13thh]

I own an uncut version, the raft scene is amazing !!!
this a fairly average movie but I have to admit that a good use of the settings has been made!!

[DeathKing]

The Burning IS better than F13th in my opinion.I myself own the uncut version of this film...not the butchered Thorn/Emi release.And yes..The Raft scene was incredible.I'd say it ranks as Savini's greatest F/X work.

[Cannon Fodder]

As close as you can get to being a Friday 13th movie without being a Friday 13th movie. It blatantly steals a few scenes from some of the Friday 13th movies (Or Visa Versa).

[Antonio]

Did anyone catch this baby late last night (9/26) on Showtime?

[cereal killer]

The burning was a great horror movie which i believe was not a rip off of friday the 13th.

[!MorganOnyx!]

This is a great slasher movie, and SHOULD NOT live in the shadow of FRIDAY THE 13th because IT'S BETTER! The killings just rule, and as for the FX! Fuck me! RAFT SCENE! Best carnage scene in horror movie history. Just like ANTONIO said, the actors look young enough to portray teenagers, which is why it's more shocking when they get murdered horribly, cos they all look about 16! Very shocking stuff.

[The Undertaker]

The Burning had a tighter script and fleshed out it's characters better, but F13 had a creepier atmosphere and a reality feel to it. Both movies have about the same pacing, are both mean-spirited enough to satisfy, and they both have very intense, well down finales (though I'd have to give the edge to Andrienne King/Betsy Palmer stuff.). I think Friday the 13th is the better film of the two, but the Burning is also excellent and doesn't deserve to be kept in shadows of Halloween and Friday the 13th. It ranks right up there with them. One of the best slasher films of the 80s. Cropsy lives on...

The Burning-**** out of ****